Daniel 1:17
Memory Verse
And for these four young men, God gave them knowledge, and prudence in all writings and wisdom, and Daniel was caused to understand all visions and dreams (Daniel 1:7).
Under Nebuchadnezzar’s order, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were educated for three years in the language and literature of the Chaldeans so they might serve in the king’s courts. God gave these four knowledge and discernment in these matters so that, when examined, they were found to be ten times better than all the engravers and astrologers in the realm (Daniel 1:20).
Daniel was also given the ability to understand visions and dreams. This understanding would later prove useful in preserving these four men during Nebuchadnezzar’s reign. This was not a supernatural or spiritual gift, but God using Daniel to reveal visions and dreams to Nebuchadnezzar that no other engraver or astrologer could. Each time Daniel was called upon by the King, he went to the LORD to receive the interpretation (Daniel 2:17–19).
Today, God is not giving dreams and visions to those of the Church because they live out from faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). All saints among the Church have the potential to train their senses to discern what is proper from what is wrong and thus be wise in ways of righteousness (Hebrews 5:14). We all have been given all things pertaining to life and godliness through which we escape the corruption that is in the world (2 Peter 1:4). During Daniel’s days, the Holy Spirit did not indwell believers. Today, He abides with the grace believer, never leaving, and guides him by producing strong desires to do what is right, which are contrary to the desires from the flesh (Galatians 5:17). Therefore, saints today do not need the ability to discern dreams and visions, nor seek signs and wonders to understand what God is doing. Through the new mind each believer possesses in Christ, they are able to discern the desirous will of God in any situation (Romans 12:1–2).